Cabin accommodations near Clarence J. Brown Dam and Reservoir vary widely in seasonal availability and accessibility. The reservoir spans 2,120 acres with surrounding wooded areas reaching elevations up to 1,060 feet. Constructed in 1974 for flood control on Buck Creek, the area features 14 miles of shoreline with cabins typically located within half a mile of water access points.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Buck Creek State Park Campground offers shoreline fishing with multiple access points. "We camped here in our camper in early July 2017. There are a lot of things to do in the area. We visited the Ohio Caverns. The tour is worth the money, the 'gem' mining was fun for our younger kids," reports Leon H.
Beach activities: Most cabin sites are within 10-15 minute walks to swimming areas. At Kiser Lake State Park Campground, water recreation focuses on non-motorized enjoyment. "This park is know for the lake that is kayak and canoe friendly since it doesn't allow any kind of boat with a motor. It also features a beach, 2 playgrounds and several hiking trails," notes Andrea F.
Winter recreation: Cabins remain open year-round at select locations, with winter activities available. Brad H. from Kiser Lake State Park shares, "We camped on lot 57 and the view of the lake was awesome! The new bathhouse is open year round."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Some cabin areas offer more separation than others. At Delaware State Park Campground, Maddy B. notes, "The best thing about this campground is the fact that all the sites have privacy. There are nice trails to walk and the bathrooms are the best I've seen at a campground."
Spacious layouts: Cabin areas typically provide more room than tent sites. Kim H. from Cowan Lake State Park Campground reports, "The lot was VERY large and well maintained. The asphalt pad was decently level; a picnic table and fire ring were included. There was significant variety in the types of sites: some were quite wooded while others were full sun."
Late season access: Many cabins remain accessible after tent camping closes for the season. At Kiser Lake State Park, one camper mentioned, "Due to off season and COVID the camp store is closed and there is no camper host or park office staff around." This indicates cabins remain available during shoulder seasons when services may be limited.
What you should know
Varying bathroom facilities: Bathroom quality differs significantly between cabin locations. As Shannon G. from Indian Lake State Park Campground describes, "The bathrooms were flush toilets and they did have shower houses too. The camp store is really big and it's right next to their pool."
Maintenance considerations: Cabin condition varies seasonally and by location. One Cowan Lake visitor reported, "The cabins are not in the best of shape. Finding mouse traps and some maintenance within the cabin that should have been done was concerning with a toddler."
Storm shelters: Several cabin locations provide emergency weather facilities. Marshall P. observes, "I also noticed that they had a nice storm shelter on the property that was well marked and easy to get to from any of the campground areas."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: When booking cabins with children, check proximity to play areas. At Dayton KOA Holiday, Melissa B. shares, "We stayed in a small cabin with a swing on the porch but there are many lodging choices. A stream ran behind the cabin. It has a pool and lots of kids activities."
Seasonal activities: Many cabin locations offer special weekend programming. At Delaware State Park, Ashley R. notes, "The staff is always very friendly and helpful. The grounds are very clean and tidy. The rangers drive through a few times a day to patrol the grounds."
Biking considerations: Not all cabin areas have suitable biking terrain. One Dayton KOA visitor cautions, "Gravel roads aren't great for small kids learning to ride bikes but ok for older kids and adults."
Tips from RVers
Cellular connectivity: For those needing to work remotely from cabins, cellular service varies significantly. At Johnothan R. from Cowan Lake State Park shares detailed connectivity information: "Internet here on t-mobile 5G home is 90Mbps down and 6 to 20Mbps up. Verizon on cellphone, only 10Mbs down, 1-3Mbps up. ATT cellphones are similar to Verizon."
Pad types: For cabins with RV parking areas, surface conditions vary widely. Joe I. from Delaware State Park notes, "Att works good here verizion not so much but at night when people are sleeping verizion gets a little better."
Seasonal water access: Many cabin locations have different water availability by season. One Indian Lake camper notes, "Full power both 30 and 50 amp at almost all sites and strong wifi where I was," indicating that while electrical service is reliable, water access may vary.
